[Videonews] NEED TO VENT--those #@&*!&% DVD-Rs

I have 3 DVDs (all DVD-Rs) from 3 different distributors (all
reputable) that I need to return because of complaints that they are
"defective." Ever since the decision was made to circulate the video
collection at my institution the incidence of problem DVDs has
skyrocketed.

This is largely an appeal to producers and distributors to discourage
using DVD-Rs for reproducing video material. I have tried to educate
the staff about the peculiarities and limitations of DVD-R, but it is
unrealistic to expect our library patrons to be so savvy (let alone
forgiving!) Basically, this is costing me time and you money (not to
mention the frustration on both ends) Generally, these are high priced
documentaries. For the money shelled out for these, I expect a product
of technical quality.

I realize that some distributors do not generate their own content, but
I would strongly urge you to get the word out to the independent
producers of the problem. It makes no sense to try to sell content that
very few can view because of format.

VIDEONEWS is an electronic clearinghouse for information about new services, products, resources, and programs of interest to video librarians and archivists, educators, and others involved in the selection, acquisition, programming, and preservation of video materials in non-profit settings. The list is open to all interest individuals and list submissions are unmediated. However the list owner reserves the right to revoke subscriptions to the list in cases where the intent of the list is routinely violated or where general listserv etiquette and protocol are infringed.